Best way to learn Spanish quickly?

[stevebadm]

I am intending to move to Spain soon and would like some advice as to how I can best go about learning Spanish. I am presuming that it is advisable to pay for a one to one tutor, but I am worried about the cost. I am looking for advice as I have no idea of how long it takes to learn a language and the best method. Any pointers would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Bevdeforges]

Hi, and welcome to the forum.

Well, the bad news is that everyone learns in their own way. Some people learn best with a one on one tutor, while others learn perfectly well with those language tapes or CDs, and other people "just have to" engage with grammar and syntax and memorizing lists of vocabulary.

I learned my first foreign language in an aural-oral program (means "listen and repeat") that stressed speaking over reading or writing. So, for me, that's the best way for me to learn.

One low cost way to get started (at least) would be to try a tape or CD program. I can vouch for Assimil, and there is a new program out called Rosetta Stone that is supposed to be very good. You can always pick up a class or a private tutor along the way to help you make faster progress. But you won't "really" learn the language until you are immersed in the culture in a situation where no one around you understands (or admits to understanding) English.
Cheers,
Bev

[Big Pete]

Originally Posted by stevebadm

I am intending to move to Spain soon and would like some advice as to how I can best go about learning Spanish. I am presuming that it is advisable to pay for a one to one tutor, but I am worried about the cost. I am looking for advice as I have no idea of how long it takes to learn a language and the best method. Any pointers would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Hi and welcome

My Mrs has just got the new nintendo ds with the "My Spanish Coach" program and she thinks its working well sort of learning in a fun way , so it gets her vote so far anyways.

Me personaly i let her learn it then she can teach me after .

I find the language easy anyways just add io at the end of every word and i get by a treat

example

asking for a clock in a shop would be ;

Ola havio youio gotio anyio clockios por favorio

easy peasy works most times with a little pointing and hand gestures as well

[Hurricane]

Originally Posted by stevebadm

I am intending to move to Spain soon and would like some advice as to how I can best go about learning Spanish. I am presuming that it is advisable to pay for a one to one tutor, but I am worried about the cost. I am looking for advice as I have no idea of how long it takes to learn a language and the best method. Any pointers would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

If you have iTunes on your computer one of the best ways is to start downloading the "Coffee break Spanish" series, it is only 20 odd mins every week, and it focuses on one subject every week, you can download them to an iPod or simply burn them to a disc, and play them in the car to work, when you are sat having lunch etc.......



and don't forget, learning a language is for the most part simply repetition, which is why learning is easier the more you hear it.

[Bernie]

Hi Steve,
Bev's right. The best way to learn the lingo is to be with Spanish people. Before I came here I had studied a bit of Spanish, but couldn't really speak it. After 6 months working in an office I was fluent - doing a course back home had helped a lot. Here (Costa Blanca) many town councils offer free (or next to free) Spanish courses. You could also try spanishandholidays com who offer, apart from language courses, help to get expats started. But mostly: listen carefully and speak, speak, speak.

[jojo]

Originally Posted by Bernie

Hi Steve,
Bev's right. The best way to learn the lingo is to be with Spanish people. Before I came here I had studied a bit of Spanish, but couldn't really speak it. After 6 months working in an office I was fluent - doing a course back home had helped a lot. Here (Costa Blanca) many town councils offer free (or next to free) Spanish courses. You could also try spanishandholidays com who offer, apart from language courses, help to get expats started. But mostly: listen carefully and speak, speak, speak.

I'd agree with that! I didnt speak a word before I came out and although I still have a very long way to go, I've learnt a fair bit since I came out 3 months ago. You just have to listen, mingle and have a go. If the Spanish see that you're trying and want to learn, they help. I try to learn a phrase or word a day (remembering them is the hard bit LOL)

I always watch the Spanish news on tv every morning, I dont understand all of it, but I get the odd word here and there and the pictures are a clue!! and it really helps


Jo

[Wils & Nance]

LOL Pete !
You always give me a reason to smile........what you like !
Nance

[flyboy]

I found that the Michel Thomas course was a very good introduction to Spanish. His voice drives me mad but I like his method, starts you off with one word and builds it into a sentence. Like others my problem is remembering it!

[chris(madrid)]

Originally Posted by Bernie

Hi Steve,
Bev's right. The best way to learn the lingo is to be with Spanish people. Before I came here I had studied a bit of Spanish, but couldn't really speak it. After 6 months working in an office I was fluent - doing a course back home had helped a lot. Here (Costa Blanca) many town councils offer free (or next to free) Spanish courses. You could also try spanishandholidays com who offer, apart from language courses, help to get expats started. But mostly: listen carefully and speak, speak, speak.

AMEN! - I'd also suggest buying magazines in Spanish that match your hobbies - I used to buy Motorcycle mag's. At some stage you'll need to match the written word to the words you hear and it's not always as cut and dried as it sounds. I also used to sit and watch TV movies in Spanish (but NO SUBTITLES) - ones you KNOW what they're saying anyway - You might as well enjoy studying!. 6 months is about right. And get prepared to look up a fair few swear words. 1st rule of language is know when you're being insulted.

[keljo]

Originally Posted by flyboy

I found that the Michel Thomas course was a very good introduction to Spanish. His voice drives me mad but I like his method, starts you off with one word and builds it into a sentence. Like others my problem is remembering it!

I agree Michel Thomas is Brilliant. You can usually get copies from ebay for about 20 pounds.